Banburyshire village's own Coronation steals King Charles III's thunder

The Banbury Guardian has been given a sneak preview of how creative personality and local landmark Banksie will look on Saturday, once his ornate crown has been placed on his head.

Banksie is a feature of Middleton Cheney, cared for by his guardian, Chris Wells, who ensures he is suitably dressed for every possible occasion, representing the village at all major events.

Last weekend he greeted visitors from his position on the verge in his Morris Dancing outfit as a contribution to the May Day celebrations taking place all over the country.

This week he has been dressed in full Royal regalia, but with his crown placed on a cushion in front of him, in readiness for his Coronation on Friday evening.

He wears a golden cloak with ermine trimming – called a ‘Supertunica’. Unlike King Charles III’s cloak, which is made of cloth of gold, embellished with motifs including fleur-de-lis, imperial eagles and national floral emblems of red-pink roses, blue thistles and green shamrocks, Banksie’s is a more weather-proof version.

He has his own orb and sceptre and is sharing in the national toast to a glorious reign with a glass of champagne.

A unique cut out cardboard figure, standing on the bank outside 129 Main Road, Banksie’s different guises were recorded in a 2021 book of photographs called Smile, which sold out, raising funds for Middleton’s Foodbank and the Trussell Trust.